Business travellers have welcomed a decision by the International Air Transport Association to put on hold plans to reduce the size of cabin bags.
The airline body had planned to limit the standard size for carry-on bags to 55 x 35 x 20 cm.
This is around 20% smaller than the size most major airlines currently allow.
But IATA has taken a u-turn on its ‘Cabin OK’ scheme following a backlash from travellers.
It argued that the scheme was designed to be a guide, not a standard, and admitted there had been much confusion.
IATA says it will now consult with all the relevant stakeholders before proceeding with any changes.
Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO of US business travel group GBTA, said the decision to ‘hit the pause button’ was ‘clearly the right call’.
"This proposal, if adopted by air carriers, would increase costs and pose headaches for business travellers who want to avoid the delays and time lost associated with checking baggage," he said.
